Roy L. Dennis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roy L. "Rocky" Dennis
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Dennis' 1977 junior high school
yearbook photo |
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| Born |
Roy Lee Dennis
December 4, 1961 Glendora, California, U.S.
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| Died | October 4, 1978 (aged 16) Glendora, California, U.S.
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| Cause of death | Complications of craniodiaphyseal dysplasia |
| Other names | Rocky Dennis |
| Parent(s) | Florence Tullis Roy Dennis |
Roy Lee "Rocky" Dennis (born December 4, 1961 – died October 4, 1978) was an American teenager. He had a very rare bone condition called craniodiaphyseal dysplasia. This condition caused his bones, especially in his skull, to grow unusually. Rocky's life story inspired the 1985 movie Mask.
Rocky's Early Life and Diagnosis
Rocky Dennis was born in Glendora, California. When he was two years old, doctors diagnosed him with craniodiaphyseal dysplasia. This condition is sometimes called CDD or "lionitis." It is incredibly rare, affecting only about 1 in 220 million births. Fewer than 20 cases have ever been recorded.
CDD causes too much bone tissue to grow, especially in the skull. This extra bone can press on the brain. Doctors thought this pressure would affect Rocky's eyesight and hearing. They also believed it would impact his brain and that he might not live past age seven.
Rocky's Teen Years
Despite what doctors predicted, Rocky achieved many things. He faced challenges with his eyesight and hearing. He also had painful headaches. But he learned to read, even with his poor vision.
Rocky started school when he was six. School officials had advised against it. He had a slow start, spending two years in first grade. However, he made good progress in his studies. He continued learning until his death at age 16. Rocky chose not to have plastic surgery to change his facial appearance.
Rocky lived in Azusa, California, and Covina. He lived with his parents and his half-brother, Joshua. He attended Ben Lomond Elementary School. After his mother left, Rocky was raised by his legal father and grandmother, and later his stepmother.
Rocky Dennis passed away on October 4, 1978. His death was due to health complications. His body was donated to the UCLA Medical Center to help with medical research.
Rocky's Family
Rocky had an older half-brother named Joshua "John" Mason. Joshua passed away in 1987 at age 32. He was not shown or mentioned in the movie Mask.
Rocky's mother, Florence "Rusty" Tullis, died on November 11, 2006. She was 70 years old. Her death was caused by an infection after a motorcycle accident.
